2024 Traffic Fatality Data
Motorcycle Riders Foundation Response

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The Motorcycle Riders Foundation (MRF) is highlighting newly released 2024 data from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), which shows a modest but important decline in motorcyclist fatalities, while reinforcing the need for continued focus on rider safety and education.

 

According to NHTSA, 6,228 motorcyclists were killed in 2024, a decrease of 138 lives or 2.2% from 2023 levels. While any reduction is a step in the right direction, the number remains historically high, underscoring the ongoing risks faced by riders on America’s roads.

Motorcyclists continue to represent a significant portion of roadway fatalities, even as overall traffic deaths declined nationwide by 4.3% in 2024. At the same time, the data shows a concerning trend in injuries, with motorcyclist injuries increasing by more than 5% year-over year.

 

For the MRF, these numbers tell a nuanced story: progress is being made, but serious challenges remain.

 

“Seeing fatalities decline is encouraging, but no one in our community is celebrating,” said MRF President Kirk “Hardtail” Willard. “This should be a wake-up call to double down on what works, strong rider training programs and effective licensing systems. If we want to continue reducing deaths, states and the federal government must invest in preparing riders before they ever hit the road.”

 

The MRF also noted that behavioral factors such as alcohol impairment and lack of proper training continue to play a role in crashes involving motorcycles. Rather than pursuing broad federal mandates that could restrict the motorcycling lifestyle, the organization is urging policymakers to focus on targeted, proven solutions.

 

As federal regulators examine these trends, the MRF cautions against policy approaches that may not reflect the realities of motorcycling. While improving safety outcomes is a shared goal, overly broad regulations risk undermining the independence and personal responsibility that define riding in America.

 

The MRF continues to advocate for a balanced path forward, one that prioritizes education, training, and licensing compliance while preserving the freedoms that riders value.

 

As is often the case, MRF Vice President Jay Jackson noted, “A crash that never happens is better than a safer crash.”

 

To achieve this goal, the MRF is committed to reducing crashes and protecting our friends and family members, who make up our community.

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Ride Safe and Ride Free.

ICE, CARB, EPA, CAFE, NHTSA

What are these acronyms and how are they changing motorcycling? Find out by reading the Freedom Fighter News!
 

 

About Motorcycle Riders Foundation

 

The Motorcycle Riders Foundation (MRF) provides leadership at the federal level for states’ motorcyclists’ rights organizations as well as motorcycle clubs and individual riders. The MRF is chiefly concerned with issues at the national and international levels that impact the freedom and safety of American street motorcyclists. The MRF is committed to being a national advocate for the advancement of motorcycling and its associated lifestyle and works in conjunction with its partners to help educate elected officials and policymakers in Washington and beyond.

 

All Information contained in this release is copyrighted. Reproduction permitted with attribution. Motorcycle Riders Foundation. All rights reserved. Ride With The Leaders ™ by joining the MRF at http://mrf.org/ or call (202) 546-0983